Computer Vision Syndrome

Abstract

With the increased use of electronic devices with visual displays, computer vision syndrome is becoming a major public health issue. Improving the visual status of workers using computers results in greater productivity in the workplace and improved visual comfort.

Technological advances in computing and access to the Internet enable workers to handle more information and be more productive. It also means that workers spend more time staring at electronic devices with visual displays, such as computers, laptops, smart phones, tablets, e-readers, and even watches, which contribute to eye strain. Children are also affected as they spend many hours each day using electronic devices with visual displays for completing schoolwork, playing video games, and sending and receiving text messages on cell phones (Heiting & Wan, 2017). Words and images on computer screens are created by combinations of tiny points of light called pixels, which are brightest at the center and lessen in intensity toward the edges, making it difficult for the human eye to maintain focus (Heiting & Wan, 2017). With the increased use of these electronic devices, computer vision syndrome (CVS) is becoming a major public health issue.

Computer vision syndrome results from prolonged viewing of digital screens (American Optometric Association [AOA], n.d.). The most common symptoms associated with CVS are “eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain” (AOA, n.d., para 3). Individuals may also complain of double vision and eye irritation. It is estimated that the average American worker spends about 7 hours a day on the computer, whether at work or at home (AOA, n.d.) and “90% of the 70 million U.S. workers using computers for more than 3 hours per day experience it [CVS] in some form” (Blehm, Vishnu, Khattak, Mitra, & Yee, 2005, p. 254). Symptoms may be caused by poor lighting, glare and reflection on the screen, improper viewing distances, poor posture, uncorrected vision problems, or a combination of these factors.

A comprehensive eye examination is needed to assess CVS which should include worker history of CVS symptoms, general health problems, medication use, or any environmental factors that may contribute to eye strain. In addition, visual acuity, refraction testing, and how well eyes focus, move, and work together are needed.

Occupational and environmental health nurses should educate workers and management about avoiding eye strain. One method is the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes. Workers should be encouraged to blink often to keep their eyes moist. Nurses should also educate workers who have children about the dangers of CVS.

Nurses can also suggest some simple changes to employee workstations. The computer monitor should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4-5 inches) as measured from the center of the monitor and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes (AOA, n.d.). Materials should be located above the keyboard and below the monitor; a document holder can also be used beside the monitor.

Proper lighting in the workstation will improve visual comfort and performance. Lighting should be adjusted to reduce glare on the monitor. If possible, window light should be off to the side. A dimmer switch for the overhead fixtures can also be installed to control the amount of light. The use of filters can reduce glare when surrounding light sources cannot be controlled. Sometimes the brightness, contrast, and font size can be modified on the computer to enhance visibility.

Workers should also rest their eyes when using the computer for prolonged periods. After 2 hours of continuous computer use, individuals should rest their eyes for 15 minutes. Employees should also be encouraged to have regular eye examinations to maintain visual health and prevent CVS. Improving the visual status of workers using computers results in greater productivity in the workplace and improved visual comfort (Heiting, 2017).